City Cast Philly

The FIFA World Cup is here! This weekend marks the first of the six matches that Philly is hosting for the most-watched sporting event in the world. We’re revisiting a conversation between host Trenae Nuri and Meg Kane, host city executive and CEO for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, to talk about the rise of soccer in Philly and why hosting the World Cup is a game-changer.  This episode originally aired...

Philadelphia recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city possibly have enough water for its year-round tourists, a metro area population of over 2 million, and all those pools? The process just might be grosser than you think. With innovative recycling, strict lawn rules, and infrastructure to monitor it all, Vegas...

Matt Katz and Abby Fritz are looking back at the week that was on today’s Friday News Roundup. Mayor Parker’s plan to raise taxes on Amazon, Airbnb, and Uber appears to have failed. Why? The plan to protect bike lanes on Spruce and Pine Streets in Center City is back in court. The Pride march and festival this weekend won’t be centered in the gayborhood, and people aren’t happy about that. Plus in...

When the TV cameras go live, interviews go viral. And that’s how we end up meeting some of the most interesting Philadelphians. Local Philadelphia TV news has captured some of our city’s most viral moments, turning ordinary people into celebrities overnight. What makes these interviews so memorable? And is there anything unsettling about the attention? Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt...

Philadelphia voted to create the Citizens Police Oversight Commission in the wake of high-profile police killings in 2020. But the commission’s power has been met with resistance from the police union, which has blocked outside investigations into city officers. Yet the executive director of the commission, Tonya McClary, tells host Trenae Nuri that the commission still plays an important role in...

In the next month, the city is expected to pass a budget, host major sporting events, kick off semiquincentennial commemorations, and eventually clean up from all the parties. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by senior producer Abby Fritz and Circa Systems co-founder and CEO Nic Esposito to talk through the proposed taxes and fiscal decisions driving discourse around how Philly will make and spend money...

Philadelphia is the best city to be in this summer. From FIFA Fan Fest to the Block Party Bonanza and select bars staying open until 4 a.m, there’s so much to do. We also recommend annual celebrations like the Pride Festival, the Odunde Festival, and the Chinese Lantern Festival. In this episode, you’ll hear our best tips for enjoying Philly, plus lots of activity recommendations you won’t find el...

Where would Philadelphia be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran about how Chicago’s libraries have evolved to meet community needs, from opening a food pantry i...

It’s the Friday New Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz are discussing how Mayor Cherelle Parker has rebranded the Wawa Welcome to America Concert. Also, hotel and Airbnb prices could be going up due to proposed tax bikes. The city and state are teaming up to combat traffic near the stadiums in South Philly. And a special segment for City Cast Philly Neighbors about the roof...

As the United States turns 250, Philadelphia, the city where modern democracy was born, is becoming the center of a global conversation about where it goes next. In this sponsored bonus episode, Trenae talks with Laura Smythe, a Philadelphia-based journalist and TED Democracy speaker, and Gabbi Townsend, a content creator partnering with Visit Philadelphia, about “TED Democracy Philadelphia: Found...

America is turning 250, and Philadelphia is going to be a playground for visitors to learn about the history of the country and the city that started it all. But what about us, the locals who will be here whether or not we care about the semiquincentennial? Host Trenae Nuri speaks with the City of Philadelphia 2026 Director Michael Newmuis to put you onto all of the money, programs, initiatives, a...

The FIFA World Cup and Fan Festival are just weeks away. Murals are going up, bars are racing to get extended hours permits, and graffiti is being covered 一 but is it enough? Some argue Philly is the most prepared host city and is set to make some money off of these events. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk through all the prep that could lead to a success story for the city...

The days are getting longer, and summer hangouts are on the horizon. But it can be hard to come up with meetup spots that aren't the same few bars – and if you are avoiding alcohol, it's even harder. Whether you’re sober, taking an alcohol break, or just want to try something new, we’re revisiting our guide to cool spots, activities, hobbies, and events that don’t involve drinking. The conversatio...

It's the Friday News Roundup! Executive producer Matt Katz and senior producer Abby Fritz dish on all the drama with local Democratic politicians in Philly – including an argument over mac-and-cheese and an effort to dethrone Bob Brady, chairman of the city Democratic party. In other news, a dentist's license was suspended for unsafe practices and flooding led a South Philly hospital to be evacuat...

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Trenae beat out...

Results are in! The City Cast Philly team stayed up late to get the results of last night’s Democratic primary election for the Third Congressional District. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz discuss how the most progressive candidate, State Rep. Chris Rabb, won the Democratic nomination and what this surprising victory says about Philly Democrats (and democratic socialists). Plus,...

Ona Judge was one of nine enslaved Black people forced to work and live at President George Washington’s Philadelphia home before her escape to freedom in 1796. The current president has tried to suppress her story and the story of other enslaved people who were held in Philadelphia. Now, there’s an extraordinary and permanent response: This Thursday is the first-ever annual Ona Judge Day in the c...

Philly's food and beverage landscape is constantly expanding. New businesses are popping up all the time, and many originate from other places across the country – particularly New York City. In the past few years, restaurants have expanded out of Texas, New York, California, and many other states. Host Trenae Nuri is talking with senior producer Abby Fritz and newsletter editor Siani Colón about...

Would Philadelphia be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more than 500 automated traffic enforcement cameras — including a single camera that issued $9 million in tickets. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host Bridget Todd about how these cameras work, the congressional scrutiny they've been g...

It's the Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk through whether City Council has the power to regulate driverless vehicles. Also, there are new $10 bus rides going to over 50 northeastern cities and a new hotel cocktail program is inspired by the country's 250th anniversary. Plus, City Cast Philly Neighbors can play along in the members-only segment as Trenae's...

It’s that time of year when Philadelphians are making their summer plans. And that means it's time to book those weeks and weekends down the shore. But with several dozen towns along the New Jersey coastline, where are we supposed to go? Which boardwalk is the best? Where do we take the kids? Where do we party? That’s why we’re listening back to our conversation with journalist and Jersey Shore ex...

The 2026 Pennsylvania primary is next week, on May 19. Do you know what’s on your ballot? Host Trenae Nuri runs through what you’re voting on with City Cast Philly politics contributor Lauren Vidas. They explain everything from the hot congressional race to the obscure race with dozens of candidates that you probably didn’t know anything about. Plus, there are two intriguing ballot questions.  For...

Chocolate bars like Polka Dot Mushroom Magic Blend and tablets like Ms. Molli Cule’s have a few things in common: You can get these over the counter in local smoke shops, and both are psychedelics – unregulated drugs sold over-the-counter in our neighborhoods. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with two investigative reporters for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Max Marin and Ryan Briggs, about why psychedelics c...

After over 60 years, the PGA Championship ー basically the Super Bowl of golf ー is back in the Philly area. The professional men's championship starts today and runs through May 17 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square. Philly's history with the sport runs deep, and the region continues to expand with opportunities to play. Host Trenae Nuri sits down with Maya Satya Reddy, a former professiona...

It's a big year for Philly! This summer, the city is anticipating a record-breaking number of tourists coming to town for World Cup games and semiquincentennial events, so Philadelphia is allowing its bars to stay open until 4 a.m. during most of June and July. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri about the city’s nightlife, and the pros and cons of this extended...